Duke University’s men’s basketball team is gearing up for a crucial matchup against Pittsburgh this Tuesday evening. The encounter marks a significant meeting as it is led by former Blue Devil guard Jeff Capel, who is now in his eighth season as head coach of the Panthers. The Blue Devils will look to maintain their dominance over Pitt, having a record of 18-9 in the series and winning five of their seven contests at the Petersen Events Center, including two consecutive victories.
Duke, currently ranked No. 3 in NET rankings, boasts the highest number of Quad-1 wins in the nation with ten. Their impressive performance this season includes a 7-2 record against nationally-ranked opponents, featuring victories over notable teams such as No. 7 Michigan State, No. 15 Florida, and No. 20 Louisville (twice). Notably, the Blue Devils have won 32 of their last 34 games against conference adversaries, with their recent success contributing to their ranking as one of only three teams in the top eight nationally for both offensive and defensive efficiency.
Cameron Boozer stands out as a key player, leading the nation as the second-best scorer with an impressive average of 23.3 points per game. His contributions don’t stop there; he is also the top rebounder in the ACC, averaging 10.0 rebounds per game. Boozer’s consistency this season is noteworthy, having registered at least 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists in every game, marking a remarkable streak for any player in Division I basketball this century.
Other contributors like Dame Sarr and Isaiah Evans have also displayed their skills, with Sarr recently matching his season-best of 13 points against North Carolina, and Evans ranking second in the ACC for free-throw percentage. Duke’s overall depth and talent are evident, leading to the best start to a season since the 2007-08 campaign.
Duke has a bright prospect ahead, riding a 10-game win streak on February 10, a date they have historically performed well on. Seizing this moment, the Blue Devils aim to continue their success in Pittsburgh, where they previously defeated the Panthers by a significant margin of 76-47 last season. As they step into this challenge, Duke looks to solidify its place as a contender for the season ahead, showcasing not only skill but also solid teamwork and strategy.
Optimism surrounds the Blue Devils as their expert performance on both ends of the court demonstrates their potential for a successful season in pursuit of championship glory.